Headache, sore throat and post-nasal drip

Mucus draining from the nose into the throat can cause throat clearing, cough, a scratchy sore throat, and disturbed sleep. Allergic Rhinitis may produce clear drainage, sneezing, and itchy eyes. A Common Cold or Influenza can add headache, tiredness, fever, and body aches; COVID-19 can also cause respiratory and throat symptoms. Acid Reflux may irritate the throat, especially after meals or when lying down, without causing nasal mucus.

Strep Throat and Tonsillitis can cause significant throat pain and fever, while Glandular Fever may bring pronounced fatigue and swollen neck glands. A sore throat is a presentation of these conditions; it does not by itself identify which one is present.

Drink warm or cool fluids, use soothing lozenges if appropriate, and gargle with salt water. Saline nasal spray or a humidified room may loosen mucus. Rest, reduce smoke and strong fragrances, and keep your head raised during sleep if drainage or reflux worsens when flat. Follow label directions for any pain or fever medicine, and ask a pharmacist if you have chronic illness, take regular medicines, or are pregnant. Do not share antibiotics or start them without an assessment.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling, confusion, fainting, or a severe headache with high fever and marked neck stiffness. Arrange prompt medical review for dehydration, severe one-sided throat pain, persistent high fever, a rash, worsening symptoms, or symptoms that are not settling. Testing may be considered when influenza, COVID-19, or Strep Throat is suspected, especially after relevant exposure.

Ask whether the drainage looks more like allergy, infection, or reflux; whether your throat needs examination or testing; which treatments fit your other medicines; and what changes should prompt a same-day review.